2017 Senate Joint Resolution 31
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: proclaiming April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Wisconsin.
Whereas, children compose a quarter of Wisconsin's population and are the foundation of its future; and
Whereas, safe, stable, and nurturing relationships are essential to prevent child maltreatment and to assure that children reach their full potential; and
Whereas, parents and other caregivers, when supported, can safeguard the long-term growth and well-being of children, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities in adulthood; and
Whereas, the toxic stress produced by child abuse and neglect is a significant public health problem that imposes lasting and damaging effects on children's psychological, physical, and social health into adulthood, affecting community growth and development; and
Whereas, in 2015, Wisconsin Child Protective Services maltreatment reports totaled 42,455 with 5,278 substantiated cases; and
Whereas, child abuse is a preventable problem with explicit and effective prevention factors as identified by the Center for the Study of Social Policy, including parental resilience, knowledge of parenting and child development, social and emotional competence of children, concrete supports in times of need, and social connections; and
Whereas, prevention is more effective than retroactive treatment at protecting children and strengthening families; and
Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prevention of child abuse and neglect could save the country $124 billion each year; and
Whereas, community advocacy and institutional and organizational partnerships are the most effective instruments by which to increase awareness and the ability to identify and report child maltreatment; and
Whereas, according to the Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, communities can and should take concrete actions, like providing preventative resources, developing training and public awareness, and promoting policies that strengthen families; and
Whereas, every individual has a role to play in the prevention of child abuse and neglect; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin Legislature proclaims April as “Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month” in Wisconsin and calls upon all citizens, community agencies, religious and civic organizations, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in efforts to support families and prevent child maltreatment, thereby strengthening the communities in which we live.
